How We Give

Potlatch has a long tradition of giving—through charitable contributions and through our support of employee giving and volunteerism.

Our giving program focuses on the communities where we live and do business, and is concentrated in five areas: education, community programs, conservation of natural resources, major gifts, and unique giving opportunities. In 2007, we contributed a total of $892,000.

Education
Total giving in 2007: $378,000

Through the Potlatch Higher Education Foundation, we have awarded more than $10 million in college scholarships to hundreds of students in or near communities where we have facilities. In 2007, we funded 207 scholarships totaling more than $290,000. In addition, we match our employees' gifts to qualifying educational institutions up to a total of $1,500 per employee. Through the program, we contributed more than $30,000 in 2007.

Because schools need our time as well as our money, our employees serve on school boards, in parent-teacher organizations, and in classrooms. Additionally, we are a frequent sponsor of academic and athletic programs.

Community programs
Total giving in 2007: $179,000

We make gifts to a wide range of programs, seeking to support as many aspects of our diverse communities as we can. We contribute to arts groups, youth sports programs, clubs, and more. We also match our employees' gifts to United Way at a rate of 50 cents on the dollar. In 2007, Potlatch donations to United Way totaled more than $50,000. Our employees also support programs in their communities by serving on boards or in other volunteer capacities.

Natural resources conservation
Total giving in 2007: $52,000

As a recognized leader in forest stewardship, we understand the importance of conserving natural resources. We support both local and national programs dedicated to that effort. At the local level, our gifts support conservation education, programs at various conservation organizations, and project work. We have supported organizations such as the Temperate Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservatory, and the Rainforest Alliance.

Major gifts
Total giving in 2007: $233,000

We regularly make major gifts to capital campaigns and programs for hospitals, libraries, community centers, and other organizations that are central to the quality of life in our communities. These gifts sometimes include multi-year commitments. Recently, we made a $100,000 pledge to the YMCA in Warren, Arkansas. In 2007 we major commitments to the Fox Theatre, the YMCA/YWCA Building campaign and the Rypien Foundation in Spokane, Washington.  We have also donated to the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho; for new lights at the baseball fields in Juliaetta, Idaho; the sports park in Asotin, Washington; and Boys and Girls Clubs in McGehee, Arkansas, and Lewiston, Idaho.

Unique giving opportunities
Total giving in 2007: $50,000

In addition to our other giving programs, we occasionally sponsor special matching programs to extend our employees' response to local and world events. We made a major gift supporting relief to the City of Dumas, Arkansas after the town was hit by a tornado in 2007.